Kimberley boosted by three more key signings

Kimberley Miners Welfare have secured the services of three more key players as they prepare for a second season in the East Midlands Counties League.

Mark Smith and Solomon Miller have both agreed deals to remain at the Stag Ground following spells with the club last season, while experienced striker Rob Gill has also joined up with Paul Rawden’s squad.

Smith, a winger who once appeared in an FA Trophy final with Hucknall Town, featured regularly for Welfare last season and proved a valuable attacking option.

Rawden said: “Smudge is not only a fantastic player but one who leads by example on and off the pitch. He’s the right type of lad who is extremely professional in his approach to the game.”

Miller is a midfielder who began his career as a professional with Luton Town before spells with Rawden at Arnold Town and Lincoln Moorlands. He made one appearance for Kimberley last season at Radford in a 3-2 win.

Gill, 33, made 53 appearances for Doncaster Rovers early in his career before spells with Chester City, Dagenham & Redbridge, Burton Albion, Scarborough and Forest Green Rovers.

His non-league experience includes time with Hucknall, Ilkeston Town, Gedling Town, Arnold, Heanor Town, Carlton and Rainworth Miners Welfare, with a spell in New Zealand with Waikato also on his CV.

The latest signings add to those of experienced defender Tommy Hannigan and striker Steve Chaplin as Rawden overhauls his squad following a 13th place finish in the club’s first ever season at step six of the pyramid.

Rawden said: “I’ve spoken to so many players and it’s been a really busy time since the season ended.

“We used too many players last season, which wasn’t helped by injuries which can be unavoidable but still emphasised the need to try and get a more settled squad this time.

“We scored and conceded lots of goals and need to turn the large number of draws and single goal defeats we got into more points if we’re going to challenge higher up the table.

“It’s been vital for me to get targets who, if they stay fit, I know can 40 games in for us next season.”

Welfare are also continuing to add personnel off the pitch too.

With new coaches already secured to assist Rawden, the club also appointed commercial manager Matt Rapinet who has worked in sports marketing in New York and London as well as at Sheffield FC.

Welfare are also keen to recruit a media manager who will be involved in taking video and photos of matches, interviews with management and players, producing match reports and also updating the club website and social media pages.

Anyone interested in the role can contact Danny Staley on 07572 863155 or e-mail kmwfc@outlook.com.

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